The Colorado AAPI Circle Fund is a statewide philanthropic initiative housed at The Denver Foundation. Established in 2021, the fund is guided by a mission to elevate Asian, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Colorado by providing increased resources, amplifying community voices, and fostering civic engagement. The fund acts as a collective giving circle dedicated to supporting AANHPI communities that are most in need, with an intentional focus on addressing inequities and building community power.
The fund welcomes proposals from organizations that serve the AANHPI population and align with the Circle’s mission of equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Applicants must either be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or operate under a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. The fund emphasizes support for organizations that specifically address the needs of Colorado’s diverse AANHPI communities. Prior grant awards are not indicative of future funding and do not guarantee continued support.
Applications are submitted through The Denver Foundation’s online grants portal. Applicants must register on the platform prior to accessing the application. Key dates for the next grant cycle include an opening date of August 1, 2025, and a submission deadline of September 15, 2025. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $4,000.
The AAPI Circle has also commissioned the Colorado Lotus Project, a statewide needs assessment study that informs the Circle’s philanthropic priorities. This study supports their goal of driving long-term, strategic investments that uplift AANHPI communities across the state.
All questions regarding the application process should be directed to coaapicircle@gmail.com. While currently closed, this grant opportunity will reopen in August 2025, and eligible organizations across Colorado are encouraged to prepare in advance.
Align clearly with the fund’s mission; articulate how the program supports AANHPI communities; demonstrate community connection and potential civic engagement impact.
